Police reopen investigation into Lorrin Whitehead’s 2013 disappearance, search new area

A new lead has prompted an urgent search for the remains of a Victorian mother who vanished after leaving home 12 years ago.

Lorrin Whitehead, a resident of Bannockburn near Geelong, was last seen on CCTV at a local supermarket just after 4.50pm on Friday, February 8, 2013 about 10 minutes after she left home.

The footage captured her purchasing a bottle of water, a card, and a pen.

According to police, a witness reported seeing her getting into the driver’s seat of a red four-wheel-drive in Bannockburn’s CBD around the same time.

However, police said that she did not own a red 4WD at the time.

This sighting marks the last confirmed moment anyone saw her.

Another witness reported seeing a red 4WD parked on the nature strip of Lorrin’s home over the weekend of her disappearance.

Reopening the case

On Tuesday, Victoria Police will search a bushland area near Shelford, about 45km northwest of Geelong, following intelligence suggesting that Whitehead’s remains could be located there.

“The area for today’s search is not one that people will regularly walk through, so we’re hopeful there may be some sign of Lorrin here even after all these years,” Detective Sergeant Steve Murphy said.

Over the past year, detectives have spoken to a number of people connected to Whitehead and are continuing to investigate all leads regarding her disappearance.

Police have also re-released images of Whitehead, including an updated digital rendering of how she might look today, urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward.

She is described as 170cm tall with a medium build, brown eyes, and brown hair.

At the time she was last seen, she was wearing black pants and a light-coloured collared shirt.

“This is a small community and potentially someone who never felt ready to speak to police might now be in a position to come forward,” Murphy said.

“Last year we also appealed for anyone with information about the red 4WD that was seen in the vicinity of Lorrin’s property to come forward, and we are continuing to make that appeal.

“I can only begin to imagine how difficult the past 12 years have been for Lorrin’s family and loved ones not having any answers about why or how she disappeared.”

‘Out of character’

Lorrin Whitehead’s disappearance has been described as “extremely out of character”.

“Most people we have spoken to have also agreed that her disappearance is extremely out of character,” said Murphy, adding that Whitehead’s bank accounts have remained untouched since she vanished.

“There are a number of aspects to her disappearance that remain extremely concerning for investigators.”

Whitehead’s personal laptop and phone were missing from her home, but her work phone, wallet, and keys were left behind.

Additionally, she is believed to have left without her diabetes medication.

A broken fruit bowl was found at the home, along with paint drop sheets and a small amount of blood.

The front door and garage were found unlocked, which Whitehead’s daughter described as “very odd”.

Anyone with information regarding Whitehead’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.